How to getting around Hong Kong

A bustling city full of activity, there is much to experience and plan for on a visit to Hong Kong. Attractions and things to do aside, it is also important you have an idea of the various transport services on offer which will help you get to the points of interest on your itinerary. Here is a guide on how you can get around the city and what to keep in mind when doing so.

By Mass Transit Railway

The Mass Transit Railway or MTR is one of the most popular means of getting around Hong Kong and offers convenient access to many of the main districts and sites of interest. Stations can be found within easy reach of each other in the central areas, while the service also features a connection to Mainland China via an inter-city train.

Do remember that though travelling by MTR during rush hour will help you beat the traffic, it will get quite crowded too. It will also be cost-efficient to purchases a Tourist Day Pass or an Octopus card; the latter can be used on all public transport.

By Public Buses

Another popular means in which to get around is by way of public buses. Providing relatively cheap transport from the airport too, buses cover key areas in Hong Kong and you even get double-decker vehicles which are ideal for sightseeing too.

Do keep in mind when using buses you need the exact fare so have the necessary change money in hand; of course, if you have the Octopus card this is not an issue. An alternative to public buses would be to make use of free shuttle buses offered by properties such as Dorsett Wanchai Hong Kong; they provide convenient access to key sites like the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Ocean Park and the Causeway Bay Plaza II mall.

By Trams

Providing a more nostalgic way to traverse the city, trams are well worth making use of as well. Apart from relatively cheap fares (there is a flat charge irrespective of how far you travel), tams also offer tourists a chance to experience a bit of history since they date back to the early 1900s.

Of course, the trams have been updated since then, though these double-decker vehicles still have an old-world charm about them amidst the modern cityscape. They provide connections to the main areas in Hong Kong including Admiralty, Central, Causeway Bay and Wan Chai; hotel options that can be found walking distance to tram stops are ideal for those looking to use this form of transport.

By Taxis

Travellers can also consider making use of taxis in Hong Kong which offer convenient and direct access to exactly where you want to go in air-conditioned comfort. You can hail taxis from the street, at a taxi stand or via phone, though do keep in mind there are some restricted areas where they cannot drop-off or pick-up passengers.

Taxis are regulated here and the identity card of the taxi driver should be displayed on the dashboard; ensure the taxi has a working meter too. Alternatively, you can look to make use of ride-hailing apps such as Uber, eTaxi and Fly Taxi.

By Ferry

Another way to get around and enjoy some interesting perspectives of Hong Kong is to travel by ferry. A popular means in which to traverse between Hong Kong Island (Central and Wan Chai) and Kowloon (Tsim Cha Tsui) is the Star Ferry. The ride is a little less than 10 minutes and offers a great vantage point to capture pictures of the harbour. For a more lengthy experience, you can take ferries to some of the Outlying Islands such as Discovery Bay, Lantau Island and Cheung Chau.